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94 towncar, results of fluid/engine check and some questions
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MyUserName
User
Jan 27, 2008, 8:48 AM
Post #1 of 4
(1155 views)
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94 towncar, results of fluid/engine check and some questions
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I started a new thread, since the last one (on engine whine) got really long, and we've solved the engine whine problem and are moving to general car health. Thanks again, everybody!
As I reminder, I was given a 1994 lincoln towncar, 178K miles, and have no experience with car repairs, so I am learning. So I checked my fluids and hoses this morning. First, the power steering is still leaking, so I refilled the power steering fluid again. I am not sure how much is due to the leak and how much due to pushing out air bubbles, etc. I parked in a new spot last night to see how bad the leak is, and there were three drops of PS fluid on the ground this morning. I checked the hose connecting the PS fluid resevoir to the engine. While the top of the hose is dry, the bottom of the hose had significant residue on it. I wouldn't call it wet, but it definitely dirtied up my hand when I touched it. The metal "hose" that was connected to this hose was also dirty. Does it sound to you like the hose is the problem? If so, can I change it myself? How do I know what hose to buy, where might I be able to get one, and is there a trick to changing hoses? Other than the wetness outside the hose, I didn't see any cracks or holes, so might the hose be ok?
In other news, my engine coolant was a little low, so I will buy some and refill today. Does it matter what kind I buy?
Next question, It was a little dark, but I didn't see a second dipstick for automatic transmission fluid? Am I an idiot? Any advice on where to look, or might it be something other than a dipstick?
Last question, and this is probably the most important. My engine burns off oil and needs oil added periodically. When I wipe and pull the dipstick (cold engine), the oil on the dipstick completely covers a little of the dipstick (well below the add line), but there is a trail of oil up the dipstick (well above the full line). The trail covers the whole dipstick at the bottom, but less and less as it rises. Is this normal? I dipped and wiped a few times and kept getting the same results. Do I read the line where it totally covers the dipstick, or where the trail ends (this is critically important, since it's the difference between needing more oil and having too much. My strong assumption is that the line is where the dipstick is no longer covered in oil.
Those are all my questions. I'm off to Costco to get a toolkit. I want to thank you all, yet again, for all your help. Without you I'd really be stuck. So much appreciated!
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 27, 2008, 11:33 AM
Post #2 of 4
(1152 views)
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Re: 94 towncar, results of fluid/engine check and some questions
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Here we go...........
PS leak: Hoses are pressure and return. The pressure one you need special tools for the return should just be hose and clamps. For now, wipe them as clean as you can and look for fresh oil to appear. Amazing how just a stray drop or two can make a greasy mess that lasts and might not indicate a problem right there but worth watching that. The seal I was talking about is seen from under the car - you might see it without hoisting the car and there is a grease fitting (nipple thing) on those joints that might have a drip but not conclusive so easily. Keep watching it and keep the PS filled even if you carry it with you.
Anti-freeze. I'm not too brand loyal. Most is EG = Ethylene Glycol and green. It will be sold as concentrate or pre-mixed and you should add only 50/50 concentrate and water or the premix is ready to use. For a buck pick up a little freeze protection tester that just floats little colored balls - they work ok and the aim is to keep it at -34F protection which is 50/50 exactly.
Trans fluid: The dipstick should be on passenger's side of engine near firewall and could be colored at top or just a black hoop - can't recall but it's there. That is checked with engine warm, level ground, idling in park. Check those twice as it's a long stick and first reading might be iffy. Keep in mind that the level is pints NOT quarts so don't overfill it and if cold out in general don't add unless below the bottom line of "safe" - - - you need a long skinny funnel to add thru that dipstick. Note color of fluid on first try with a drop on white paper - it's telling about things. Should be pinkish-red. Brown or black is not good.
Engine dipstick: Both this and trans should really be checked twice before judging. Flip the dipstick both ways it can go in if needed from the first dip and check both sides for the level and that should be accurate. That stick marks by the quart and always try not to overfill things.
While you are shopping around get some hand cleaner. The popular orange bottle stuff with or without pumice works great. Sold in assorted stores too. For rags - don't wash greasy rags in laundry - use paper towels or throw out the rags.
Good luck with the tool hunt. Watch out for that - it's infectious and can become a budget item! 
T
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MyUserName
User
Jan 27, 2008, 2:13 PM
Post #3 of 4
(1148 views)
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Re: 94 towncar, results of fluid/engine check and some questions
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Thanks. I am still unsure about where the level on the oil dipstick is: is it the point where the dipstick is completely covered in oil, or is it the point where there is no oil whatsoever?
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way2old
Veteran
/ Moderator
Jan 27, 2008, 2:20 PM
Post #4 of 4
(1147 views)
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Re: 94 towncar, results of fluid/engine check and some questions
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Your oil dipstick shpuld be read at the point the oil is all the way around the dipstick. In other words, ehere it is completely covered as per your description. I promise not to hi-jack this thread from you. Also, Sears has a good starter mechanics tool kit for a really reasonable price. Will be good on this one Tom.
Being way2old is why I need help from younger minds
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